Taipei: Users of the Chinese navigation app "AMap" risk giving away their real-time locations and digital footprints to servers in China, an information security official said Thursday.
According to Focus Taiwan, the app has recently drawn attention in Taiwan for its ability to accurately display traffic light countdowns in real time. Tsai Fu-longe, director-general of the Administration for Cyber Security, stated that use of the app is already banned at government agencies under the Cyber Security Management Act.
Tsai explained that the app's capability to show traffic light countdowns is achieved through the detection of real-time traffic movements, utilizing geographical data provided by Netherlands-based HERE Technologies. Despite this feature, Tsai noted that the app has not seen widespread use in Taiwan. He suggested that the majority of users are likely businesspeople traveling frequently between Taiwan and China, as well as people planning to visit China.
Citing China's National Intelligence Law and the Cybersecurity Law, Tsai warned that all Chinese citizens must cooperate with the government's intelligence work, which includes accessing and using sensitive personal data. "We'd like to remind residents in Taiwan to refrain from using AMap, because your locations, digital footprints, and other sensitive data could be leaked," Tsai cautioned.
Furthermore, Tsai mentioned that his administration will request the National Institute of Cyber Security to conduct a test of the app to identify any information security risks. The findings of this investigation are expected to be announced at a news conference in May.